Police patrols cut crime

North Somerset Police Officers have received commendations from the District Commander for the consistently high level of work they have carried out over the last 12 months. WPC Jackie McDonald is the Beat Officer for Dundry, Winford, Regil and Barrow Gurney while PC Ray Bradley is the Beat Officer for Blagdon, Butcombe, Burrington, Langford and Churchill.

This year the two officers have been instrumental in the use of ANPR, an automated number plate recognition system which helps the Police identify cars being used in crime. By targeting known criminals and carrying out regular patrols in the villages along the A38 crime levels have fallen throughout the year. Not only have the pair stopped in excess of 150 known criminals they have made over 40 arrests for offences including shoplifting, theft from motor vehicles and house burglary.

One such offender this summer was sentenced to three and a half months in prison after admitting to some 18 local offences. The 2 officers, who have over 35 years experience between them, clearly love the work they do. "We are delighted with these awards" said Jackie McDonald: "It shows just what a positive effect a local beat officer can have on their area. By working together Ray and I have been able to double our efforts and have become a highly visible deterrent to the criminals on both beats."

Ray Bradley went on to say: "We want local people to know that we really are doing everything possible to combat the criminals that target the area. Local residents have nothing to fear from the high visibility patrols or the use of high tech equipment such as ANPR. We both strongly believe that our primary role is that of fighting crime and these awards have justified our actions over the last 12 months." The two officers received their awards from the District Commander, Chief Superintendent Tracy Hayler in a ceremony held at Nailsea Police Station..

Bright new start for Farrington School

Farrington Gurney School have opened their new 'Phoenix' building, two and a half years after fire destroyed a classroom. The Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Councillor Marian McNeir, was invited to cut the ribbon at the ceremony. The children's work and recollections of the devastating fire of February 2002 were on display.

Headteacher, Sue Jones, reflected proudly in her welcome how the school had become stronger and better from the experience, which had brought the whole community together. Bath & NE Somerset Council planned strategically following the fire and drew a Foundation Stage classroom into the plans, to replace another temporary classroom.

The Infant block is now fit for the 21st century, and includes the school's third interactive whiteboard. Farrington Gurney Church of England Primary School has also recently been presented with an International School Award by the British Council. Last term they were successfully inspected by Ofsted and received a very good Diocese report.

Back to skool at Blagdon

The Lakewood Conference Centre in Blagdon recently held its annual 'Back to Skool' Reunion’ an event where pupils of bygone days and schoolmasters of 'Lakewood High School' turned out in their slightly dishevelled school uniforms, which generated its own unique fun atmosphere.

The evening started at 7pm with drinks at the reception followed by a traditional 'Are you sitting up straight' and 'stop your talking' assembly, subsequently a traditional Skool Canteen meal was served, adding a custard full of authenticity to the event. Finally the evening was played out with live music from the group 'As thick As Thieves' performing their upbeat songs well into the evening, while students and masters alike let their hair down. This year's event coincided with the Chew Valley Arts Trail and £2,810 was raised over the weekend for the St Andrew's Church, Blagdon Appeal fund.

Words and photo by Christine Cross

Hold your horses!
Bath and North East Somerset Council has had to rein back on proposals to open up sections of its cycle paths, including part of the Chew Valley Recreational trail, to horses. A consultation which had apparently been going on for several months had been interpreted by a number of newspapers as being alreaded implemented, with headlines such as 'horses win!'.

However, the B&NES statement on its 'strategy for horse riding and opening up the equestrian access on cycle paths', received some 80 comments after it was circulated for consultation . Many of the writers complained of lack of prior consultation, perhaps because so many of the initial consultees had been representatives of horse riding groups, rather than other trail users.

As a result of this large response Cllr Sir Elgar Jenkins, Executive Member for Transport and Highways, asked the Overview & Scrutiny Panel to look at the issue before he takes a final decision. Cllr Peter Metcalfe, Chairman of the Planning, Transportation, Economy and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny panel has agreed to this request. Cllr Sir Elgar Jenkins had been due to consider permitting horse riders to use sections of pedestrian cycle paths subject to confirmation of landowners' approval for a trial period of 12 months, during which time a monitoring exercise would take place..

Hedgerow 'improvement'
A stretch of ancient hedge has been grubbed up in Chew Magna - by the Environment Agency! Chew Magna residents who noticed the sudden disappearance of part of the hedge in Dumpers Lane were initially under the impression that the culprits were Wessex Water. WW are still working on a £1.5 million project to upgrade the pumping station there in order to be able to cope with the huge increases in sewage flowing down from Bristol International Airport, and sending it from there via a new rising main up to the treatment works at Chew Stoke.

This work is due to be completed in spring 2005. However, it turned out that the Environment Agency, which inherited the ownership of about a third of an acre of land by the the side of the River Chew from the National Rivers Authority, had removed the hedge. The EA explain that it has the responsibility for dredging the silt out of the river every few years, and access for heavy machinery is needed from the point by Dumpers Lane.

It was felt that the existing access was not adequate for this machinery, and that in their view that particular section of hedge was gappy, in poor condition and contained few species. The agency says it will replant around the new gateway and hardstanding, and that its use of native species wil 'improve' the hedge.

Phone scam warning
Bath & North East Somerset Council's Trading Standards Team are reminding local residents to never give any bank account details over the phone after a series of complaints.

Roger Pope, Principal Trading Standards Officer, said: "Bath & North East Somerset Council has received a worrying number of complaints with a common theme recently. People get a phone call out of the blue from someone saying they work for a well-known company, and then say they are offering a new service that will save lots of money. When they've got the listener hooked, they ask for details of their bank account, including the number."

Passing over this information could give a total stranger access to your bank account - reputable companies do not ask for this information. Roger added: "Even with a reputable company we would never recommend that you enter a contract after a few minutes chat. Giving your bank details is like giving a burglar your front door key and telling him when you'll be out."